Thanksgiving can sometimes seem gluttonous and maybe you don’t want to spend your day overeating and drinking. Never fret, however there are great and charitable events you could attend instead. In case you want a break from the loud family chatter, the mounds of food, and the holiday shopping sales, you might want to take look at this list. There other ways to celebrate the holiday that reminds us of our gratitude for all we have.

Turkey Trots: All over the country, in most cities there are marathons on Thanksgiving Day and many of them are to raise awareness or money for a charitable causes. For instance Boston has its annual 5K Road Race to benefit the Central New England Chapter of the MS Society. There are hundreds of these Trots all over the country. Find one near you on this helpful Turkey Trot website, which lists local races as well as helpful running tips.

Turkey Day Rides: If running is just not your style, there are also hundreds of Turkey Day Bike Rides. Before feasting upon a meal, burn some extra calories while promoting alternative transportation and raising money! For example, Milwaukee hosts its annual 2 hour ride which is free to the public. Sacramento, CA also hosts a huge Turkey Day Ride, it is in its 23rd year. It’s a family event and people of all ages are welcome and is followed by a feast. The ride is really underground and grassroots and proceeds go to local and national charities. Guaranteed your town has a local ride as well and you can find many on your local bicycle associations.

Charity Yoga: Maybe runs and bike rides have a little too much cardio action. If you are looking for a little something more relaxing and soul soothing way to spend your holiday check out charity Yoga. Tacoma, WA hosts such an event. The yoga classes are free Thanksgiving Day with a suggested donation of $25 and all proceeds go to the Tacoma Rescue Mission. Other cities have similar events and check your local listings for Thanksgiving yoga.

We want to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving and no matter how you spend it. And it makes total sense to kick back and enjoy your family or to get involved in charity events. Either way use the holiday as a time for reflection and to give thanks to those who came before us and for what we have today.